The construction sector continues to struggle in Australia,
with trend data for building approvals down for much of the year and national
construction industry figures also declining. While building approvals
increased by 7 percent in November according to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics, this was largely due to a rise in the volatile apartment sector.
Industry figures declined for the third consecutive month to end the year in
the red, with industry activity, new orders, and employment all falling from
the previous month.

Aussies are still in love with the property market, with
yearly gains in 2016 boosted by a surge in prices over December. While the
bustling Sydney market experienced the most capital growth in 2016, strong
figures in Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart have led to healthy results across the
country. Despite predictions that the housing bubble would deflate last year,
housing as an asset class is still well above average balanced superannuation
and share market yields.

Meditation is widely believed to induce relaxation and
reduce stress levels, with this ancient practice helping countless people
around the world to unwind and slow down. The advantages of regular meditation
stretch way beyond simple relaxation, however, including a number of
scientifically proven benefits related to physical, emotional, and mental
health. With meditation proving helpful on so many levels, perhaps it's time to
put your inner sceptic to rest and find out what all the fuss is about.

The world of interior design continues to excite and
surprise, with seasonal trends coming and going faster than ever before. While
2016 was all about pink, copper, and framing spaces, 2017 is a new year with an
updated collection of ideas and inspired products. Let's take a look at some of
the latest interior design trends that are likely to make a big splash in 2017,
including the evolution of dynamic living spaces and the use of relaxed and
organic design elements that counterpoint the digital age.

Global warming and other ecological challenges continue to
face humanity, as people around the world look to solve a growing range of
environmental problems. While technology is often seen as a catalyst for
environmental destruction, it will also play a big role in the solution.
Environmental scientists and eco-tech companies across the globe are likely to
make their biggest splash yet in 2017, including projects related to wind
power, artificial photosynthesis, and smart transportation.